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Steve LePoidevin

Steve LePoidevin, IL’s Peru Correspondent, is originally from Quebec but spent most of his working life in British Columbia. He and his wife, Nancy, have lived abroad since 2008. Following almost six years in China and another three years in Thailand, they currently live in Huanchaco on the north coast of Peru. When not writing or traveling in real life, Steve enjoys designing 3D objects and worlds in virtual reality.

Changing countries always involves a series of new adventures and every new location has its own quirks…Peru is no different. Whether you are moving for several months, or a lifetime, the following tips should help you avoid any problems in your first few weeks in this fascinating country.

Many may be surprised to hear that Peru has been voted the World’s Best Culinary Destination for the past four years in a row. The World Travel Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the tourism and travel industry worldwide.

Ask the expats on Phuket and they will tell you…despite a few complaints about expensive taxis, overdevelopment, and the monsoon weather…Phuket is the best place for expats to live, in the best country for expats to live.

Living in the tropics is a dream for many, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, is still a popular destination for those seeking a year-round hot climate, along with a low cost of living. Although far from any white sandy beaches, Chiang Mai still has plenty of activities to keep you busy, both in the city and the surrounding countryside.

Choosing a retirement destination is not always an easy decision. A warm climate, low cost of living, wonderful beaches, and friendly residents are just a few factors that bring joy to the faces of those seeking a new home in a foreign land. And a healthy lifestyle is a top priority for many. When it comes to healthy living, it is difficult to beat the tropical paradise of Thailand.

Get out into this spectacular countryside, where Lanna culture is king, and see all its hidden treasures first-hand. Whether you rent a car or scooter, hire a driver for the day, or sign up for an organized tour, plan on a trip outside Chiang Mai’s city limits while you’re in the area.

It’s difficult to beat the beauty of Thailand’s white-sand beaches, often with a backdrop of jungle-topped mountains in the distance. Living on, or near, the expansive coast of this tropical paradise could be your dream retirement. Although more expensive than living in less well-traveled areas, the cost of living can still be surprisingly inexpensive for a life of year-round warm weather and spectacular scenery.

Thailand really is the land of festivals. There seems to be a different major holiday every month. And Chiang Mai is the place to celebrate most of them. For some reason, tourists gravitate to this part of the country by the thousands to partake in everything from Songkran to the Lantern Festival. Like the rest of the world, Thailand celebrates New Years Eve and New Years Day with parties, fireworks and everything else that goes along with this crazy part of the year on December 31 and January 1.

The famous white powdery sands that stretch around the islands of Phuket and Kho Phi Phi in southern Thailand have attracted international tourists for decades. But on the Gulf coast, just four hours from Bangkok is where you’ll find my favorite Thai beach town…Hua Hin.

Along with being a low-cost and tropical retirement haven, Thailand has long been an international destination for medical tourism. Why? Because healthcare is low cost and excellent quality. I should know. I’m a retired Canadian schoolteacher living in the northern city of Chiang Mai, with personal experience of two hospitals here—one public and one private. In both I felt welcomed and unrushed. And in general I’ve found the health professionals in this city maintain a high quality of empathy and caring for all their patients.